One of these days, Manchester United is going to make a signing in the summer transfer period, with a midfielder seeming to be high on the club's priority list.

Just don't expect that man to be Claudio Marchisio.

With the team's much-publicized pursuit of Cesc Fabregas remaining a pipe dream—despite United's incessant approaches—there have been plenty of rumours linking United to players in the club's Fabregas contingency plan.

"For the past seven years, my name has always come up when the transfer market was discussed," the midfielder told Tuttosport.

"Obviously, I will not deny that I feel flattered when I see my name being linked with other clubs, including some of the most important and biggest in the world. This is proof that I'm doing a good job and that others value what I do. It makes me proud that there are teams that rate me.

"However, I have not talked to anyone and there are no concrete offers. I spoke with Juventus and they told me I'm still wanted. My desire is to stay here and win more trophies. Then again, you never know what will happen in football. I would not be the first player to leave his boyhood club..."

It's starting to feel as though United might come out of this summer with a far more disappointing haul than has come to be expected of the team. Let's keep it real—Fabregas isn't coming. Marchisio isn't coming. Thiago Alcantara didn't come. Modric likely isn't leaving Madrid after one season.

Fellaini is a possibility, but one would guess he's a backup plan for a different club, too. Perhaps Arsenal? And there's no guarantee he'll drop everything to sign with Manchester United as soon as the Red Devils come calling.

You can see why United would turn to Marchisio. According to WhoScored.com, he had an average match rating of 7.33 in 29 Serie A appearances and 7.34 in eight Champions League games. He had eight goals and five assists for Juve last season.

It's rare to see United seeming to miss out on their man with regularity. Perhaps Fabregas will still come—or perhaps the entire hunt has been blown out of proportion by the media—but United are empty-handed for now.

And what's worse, Wayne Rooney could still be on the way out, with Chelsea rumoured to be continuing their chase.

The capture of Marchisio would have eased concerns at Old Trafford. But as that seems unlikely, it's back to the drawing board for the Red Devils.